Many trauma victims suffer from dissociative identity disorder (DID) without realizing it. They struggle with all the classic symptoms, which are bothersome and often cause issues in their day-to-day lives. However, they may be nervous about getting a formal diagnosis because they do not understand that process.
Let’s talk about what to expect if you are exhibiting some of the symptoms of DID once you talk with a therapist about being properly diagnosed.
What is the SCID-D?
The DSM-5 is the most trusted diagnostic manual for mental health conditions in the world, and it is the go-to tool for assessing DID. The SCID-D stands for Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Dissociative Disorders, and it provides an interview structure for diagnoses.
The format is rather complex, and it can take as long as four hours to finish. However, it provides valuable information for both the client and the therapist.
Sample Questions Asked on the SCID-D
It is normal to feel a little nervous about what kinds of questions you might be asked if your therapist uses the SCID-D for your assessment. Here are some examples based on various common symptoms of DID.
Symptom: Time Gaps
Example questions might include:
- Have you ever struggled with your memory or found that you might recall starting something, but not finishing it?
- Can you tell me something you did last week? How about yesterday?
- Have you ever experienced missing a whole day that you can’t recall at all?
- Have you ever gone on a trip, but not remembered why?
Symptom: Depersonalization
Example questions might include:
- Have you ever felt like you were watching yourself from outside of yourself?
- Do you ever feel like the person who is the “real you” is far away?
- Do you ever feel like you are two different people instead of one?
- Have you ever felt like you lost control of your thoughts, actions, words, or feelings?
- Have you ever experienced hearing yourself talk and then wondering, “Is that me?”?
Symptom: Derealization
Example questions might include:
- Do familiar surroundings ever seem like they are not real?
- Have you ever experienced a situation in which your environment felt like it was fading away?
- Have you ever struggled to recognize close friends or family members?
Symptom: Internal Struggles
- Do you ever feel like you’re struggling inside?
- Do you ever feel confused about who you are?
- Do you ever feel confused about what you want?
There are No “Right” or “Wrong” Answers With the SCID-D
One of the best parts about being assessed with the SCID-D is the fact that the focus is on the individual’s day-to-day life. There are no right or wrong answers for them to worry about because the test is not scored. The goal is for the trauma therapist to gather information about what the person is struggling with, regardless of what the final diagnosis is.
Are You Considering Trauma Therapy?
Perhaps you have been considering trauma therapy, but you were unsure about what to expect. Please contact me today for your initial consultation so I can answer your questions.
Healing from trauma is possible, and I can help you.
